Portable power distribution box

ABSTRACT

An enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, comprises a plurality of peripheral frame members, a plurality of corner frame members, a plurality of corner members, a plurality of primary surface sheets, and a plurality of secondary surface sheets. In preferred embodiments, the components of the enclosure are joined together in a manner that inhibits liquids from accessing the junctions between the components. In this manner, the interior of the enclosure can be shielded from various weather and other conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/315,743, filed Dec. 9, 2011, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a portable enclosure. More particularly, thedisclosure relates to a portable electrical power distribution box.

BACKGROUND

Portable electrical power distribution systems are used for providingelectrical power for various applications in which electrical power isnot available. Conventional power distribution systems typically includea number of different electrical components such as circuit breakers,input and output connectors, indicator lights, etc. These electricalcomponents are typically enclosed within a structure for safety andother reasons. The enclosure is then moved to an indoor or outdoorlocation where electrical power is needed for purposes such as anoutdoor performance, outdoor stalls, the motion picture industry,convention and exhibit halls, etc.

Prior art teachings and attempts at providing portable powerdistribution boxes include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,544,003, 5,202,538, and7,848,085. However, each such attempt has significant drawbacks.Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable electrical powerdistribution box.

SUMMARY

An enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,comprises a plurality of peripheral frame members (PFM), a plurality ofcorner frame members (CFM), a plurality of corner members, a pluralityof primary surface sheets (PSS), and a plurality of secondary surfacesheets (SSS). Each peripheral frame member includes a first and a secondPFM channel, and two opposed PFM edges, wherein each PFM edge includes afirst PFM alignment element and a PFM joining element. Each corner framemember includes two CFM channels and two opposed CFM edges, wherein eachCFM edge includes a CFM alignment element and a CFM joining element.Each corner member includes a first and a second panel, wherein eachpanel includes an interior and an exterior surface, and is bounded by acorner edge, a free edge (FE) opposite said corner edge, and opposinginterior and exterior panel edges. The free edge of each panel includesa first FE alignment element, an FE joining element, and an FE lip. Theinterior panel edge (IPE) of each panel includes an IPE lip. Theinterior panel edges of the first and second panel are contiguous andform a corner member interior edge (IE), and the IPE lips of the firstand second panel are contiguous and form a corner member IE lip. Thecorner member interior edge includes an IE alignment element and an IEjoining element. Each primary surface sheet includes four PSS edges, andforms a side of the enclosure by joining each primary surface sheet withfour peripheral frame members, wherein the four PSS edges of eachprimary surface sheet are joined with the first PFM channel of thecorresponding four peripheral frame members. Each secondary surfacesheet includes two SSS peripheral edges and two SSS corner edges, andforms a side of the enclosure by joining each secondary surface sheetwith two peripheral frame members and two corner frame members, whereinthe two SSS peripheral edges are joined with the second PFM channel ofthe corresponding two peripheral frame members, and the two SSS corneredges are joined with one of the two CFM channels of the correspondingtwo corner frame members.

In an embodiment of the enclosure, each corner member is joined with twoperipheral frame members at respective peripheral junctions (PJ) andwith one corner frame member at a corner junction (CJ). At eachperipheral junction, PFM alignment pins and/or rods are used foraligning the two first FE alignment elements of each corner member withthe first PFM alignment elements of the corresponding peripheral framemember. Also at each peripheral junction, PFM rods and PFM fasteners areused for joining the two FE joining elements of each corner member withthe PFM joining elements of the corresponding peripheral frame member.As such, the two FE lips of each corner member cover the respectiveperipheral junction to inhibit liquids from accessing the respectiveperipheral junction. At each corner junction, CFM alignment pins and/orrods are used for aligning the IE alignment element of each cornermember with the CFM alignment element of the corresponding corner framemember, and CFM rods and CFM fasteners are used for joining the IEjoining element of each corner member is joined with the CFM joiningelement of the corresponding corner frame member. As such, the two IPElips of each corner member cover the corner junction to inhibit liquidsfrom accessing the respective corner junction.

For further inhibiting liquids from accessing the peripheral junctionand corner junction, some embodiments of the enclosure include aplurality of PJ gaskets and a plurality of CJ gaskets, wherein each PJgasket is positioned in each peripheral junction between the cornermember and the corresponding peripheral frame member, and each CJ gasketis positioned between the corner member and the corresponding cornerframe member. In other embodiments of the enclosure, the free edge ofeach of the first and second panels of each corner member includes an FErib pressed against the PJ gasket, and the interior edge of each cornermember includes an IE rib pressed against the CJ gasket. Someembodiments can include an FE rib and/or an IE rib without correspondinggaskets, meaning that the FE ribs press directly against PFM edges, andthe IE ribs press directly against a CFM edge. Such embodiments canfurther inhibit liquid from entering the enclosure because of thecompressibility of the ribs.

In some embodiments of the corner member, the exterior surface of thefirst panel includes an outer nesting structure, and the exteriorsurface of the second panel includes an inner nesting structure. Theinner and outer nesting structures are sized and arranged such that whena first enclosure is stacked upon a second enclosure, the two innernesting structures of the first enclosure nest in the two outer nestingstructures of the second enclosure, and the two inner nesting structuresof the second enclosure nest in the two outer nesting structures of thefirst enclosure. In an embodiment of the enclosure, a first set ofdiagonally opposite corner members on a first side of the enclosure havethe inner nesting structures, and a second set of diagonally oppositecorner members, different from the first set of diagonally oppositecorner members, on the first side of the enclosure have the outernesting structures.

In an embodiment of the enclosure, each PFM edge includes a second PFMalignment element, and each one of the two corresponding free edges ofeach corner member also includes a second FE alignment element. Then, ateach peripheral junction, PFM alignment pins and/or rods are used foraligning the two second FE alignment elements of each corner member withthe second PFM alignment elements of the corresponding peripheral framemember.

In some embodiments, the present invention can be an enclosure. As withother embodiments, the enclosure can include peripheral frame members,corner frame members, corner members, primary surface sheets, andsecondary surface sheets. Similarly, the peripheral frame members can bejoined with the corner members at peripheral junctions, and the cornerframe members can be joined with the corner members at corner junctions.In preferred embodiments, the present invention can include peripheraljunction covers and corner junction covers. There can be enoughperipheral junction covers to cover each peripheral junction (sixteen inpreferred embodiments). Likewise, there can be enough corner junctioncovers to cover each corner junction (eight in preferred embodiments).The peripheral junction covers can be integral with the corner membersand/or integral with corresponding gaskets that are inserted into theperipheral junctions and/or integral with the peripheral frame membersand/or a separate structure for covering the peripheral junctions. Thecorner junction covers can be integral with the corner members and/orintegral with corresponding gaskets that are inserted into the cornerjunctions and/or integral with the corner frame members and/or aseparate structure for covering the corner junctions.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description, including the drawings and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention.The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended foruse in conjunction with the explanations in the following detaileddescription. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likenumerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fully assembledportable enclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a peripheral framemember for the enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the peripheral frame member ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an end view of the peripheral frame member of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a corner frame memberfor the enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the corner frame member of FIG.3A;

FIG. 3C is an end view of the corner frame member of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a corner member forthe enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the corner member of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an end view of the corner member of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a detailed partial perspective view of an unassembledenclosure of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a detailed partial perspective view of an unassembled cornerof the enclosure of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the following description providespractical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, andmanufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and allother elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the fieldof the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many ofthe examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled enclosure 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the instant invention. Enclosure 10comprises eight peripheral frame members (PFM) 12, four corner framemembers (CFM) 14, eight corner members 16, two primary surface sheets(PSS) 18, and four secondary surface sheets (SSS) 20. As shown, eachcorner member 16 is a connector for joining (or connecting or attaching)together two peripheral frame members 12 and one corner frame member 14to form a corner of enclosure 10. As such, an assembled set of eightperipheral frame members 12, four corner frame members 14 and eightcorner members 16 forms a frame of enclosure 10. Also as shown, and asdescribed elsewhere, the sides of enclosure 10 are formed by joiningeach primary surface sheet 18 to four peripheral frame members 12, andby joining each secondary surface sheet 20 to two peripheral framemembers 12 and two corner frame members 14.

While enclosure 10 is illustrated as a rectangular parallelepiped, itshould be apparent that a polyhedron enclosure of any size can beprovided using appropriately sized peripheral frame member 12 and cornerframe member 14, and primary surface sheet 18 and secondary surfacesheet 20. Accordingly, peripheral frame member 12 and corner framemember 14, in an embodiment of the invention, are extrudates which canbe cut to desired lengths prior to assembly. As such, a first set offour peripheral frame members 12 having the same first length and asecond set of four peripheral frame members 12 having the same secondlength different from the first length are used for a rectangular shapedparallelepiped such as enclosure 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. In anotherembodiment of enclosure 10, each one of the eight peripheral framemembers 12 are of the same length.

In FIG. 1, enclosure 10 is illustrated as a portable electrical powerdistribution box wherein primary surface sheet 18 a is illustratedhaving a plurality of electrical components 24 such as sockets, switchesand connectors. Although not illustrated, one or more electricalcomponents 24 can be included on the other primary surface sheetopposite primary surface sheet 18 a and/or on one or more secondarysurface sheet 20. In alternate embodiments, primary surface sheet 18 aincludes additional and/or fewer and/or different electrical components.It should also be understood that embodiments of enclosure 10 can beused in any orientation. Though the electrical components 24 are shownon primary surface sheet 18 a, they could be on any of the secondarysurface sheets 20. In another embodiment of the invention, enclosure 10is a server box or a repeater box in a computer network. In some suchembodiments, the enclosure 10 can be essentially “dust proof.” Such dustproof embodiments can be particularly useful for enclosing computerequipment in factory-type environments (a display monitor may sit on topof the enclosure). In yet another embodiment of the invention, enclosure10 is a storage box with or without one or more access panels and/ordoors on the one or more primary surface sheet 18 and/or secondarysurface sheet 20. Enclosures according to embodiments of the presentinvention can be, for example, speaker boxes, and so on.

In some embodiments, the peripheral frame members 12 providefunctionality in addition to holding enclosure 10 together. For example,in some embodiments, slots 22 are provided in opposing peripheral framemembers 12. Slots 22 are configured for grasping and lifting enclosure10. In another example, the peripheral frame members 12 can overhang thesurface of the primary surface sheet 18. In such embodiments, theoverhang of the peripheral frame members 12 can (at least to somedegree) shield the electrical components 24 from rain or other weatherconditions and/or can protect the electrical components from certainkinds of impacts.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an embodiment of peripheralframe members 12, and FIG. 2C is an end view thereof. As illustrated,each peripheral frame member 12 includes a first PFM channel 52 and asecond PFM channel 54 extending between two opposed PFM edges 56 and 58.As described elsewhere, first channel 52 is used for joining eachperipheral frame member 12 to at least one primary surface sheet 18, andsecond PFM channel 54 is used for joining each peripheral frame member12 to at least one secondary surface sheet 20. As shown, each PFM edge56 and 58 includes at least one first PFM alignment element 60 and atleast one PFM joining element 62. First PFM alignment element 60 and PFMjoining element 62 facilitate the alignment and joining of PFM edge 56or 58 and at least a portion of corner member 16. In an alternateembodiment of peripheral frame member 12, each PFM edge 56 and 58includes only one of either first PFM alignment element 60 or PFMjoining element 62 which, singularly, serves the dual purpose of bothaligning and joining peripheral frame member 12 and at least a portionof corner member 16. While each first PFM alignment element 60 and PFMjoining element 62 is illustrated as a cylindrical hole with a circularcross-section, alternate forms, shapes, cross-sections, etc., areconsidered as falling within the metes and bounds of the instantinvention. For instance, the cross-section of first PFM alignmentelement 60 and/or PFM joining element 62 can be square, rectangular,elliptical, etc. Alternately, first PFM alignment element 60 can be aprotrusion extending from a surface of PFM edge 56 and/or 58 andconfigured for engagement in a mating receiver in corner member 16 (orvice versa, with the corner member 16 having the protrusion and the PFMedge 56 and/or 58 having the mating receiver). In an embodiment ofperipheral frame member 12, first PFM alignment element 60 and/or PFMjoining element 62 extend a short distance into peripheral frame member12 from each PFM edge 56 and 58. In an alternate embodiment, first PFMalignment element 60 and/or PFM joining element 62 are hollow cylindersextending between PFM edges 56 and 58. All alternate embodiments offirst PFM alignment element 60 and PFM joining element 62 are consideredas falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention.

In some embodiments of enclosure 10, first PFM alignment element 60 andPFM joining element 62 are functionally interchangeable. That is, insome enclosures 10, first PFM alignment element 60 is used as PFMjoining element 62 while PFM joining element 62 is used as first PFMalignment element 60. This will become more apparent in light of thedescription for corner member 16 herein below with reference to FIGS.4A-4C, 5 and 6.

In an embodiment of peripheral frame member 12, each PFM edge 56 and 58also includes at least one second PFM alignment element 64 to furtherfacilitate the alignment of peripheral frame member 12 and at least aportion of corner member 16. While second PFM alignment element 64 isillustrated as a cylindrical hole with a circular cross-section,alternate forms, shapes, cross-sections, etc., are considered as fallingwithin the metes and bounds of the instant invention. Alternately,second PFM alignment element 64 can be a protrusion extending from asurface of PFM edge 56 and/or 58 and configured for engagement in amating receiver in corner member 16 (or vice versa, with the cornermember 16 having the protrusion and the PFM edge 56 and/or 58 having themating receiver). In an embodiment of peripheral frame member 12, secondPFM alignment element 64 is a hollow cylinder extending between PFMedges 56 and 58. In an alternate embodiment, second PFM alignmentelement 64 extends a short distance from each PFM edge 56 and 58. Allalternate embodiments of second PFM alignment element 64 are consideredas falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an embodiment of corner framemember 14, and FIG. 3C is an end view thereof. As illustrated, eachcorner frame member 14 includes two CFM channels 72 and 74 extendingbetween two opposed CFM edges 76 and 78. As described elsewhere, eachcorner frame member 14 is joined to two secondary surface sheet 20 byjoining CFM channel 72 to one of the two secondary surface sheet 20 andjoining CFM channel 74 to the other secondary surface sheet 20. Asshown, each CFM edge 76 and 78 includes at least one CFM alignmentelement 80 and at least one CFM joining element 82. CFM alignment andjoining elements 80 and 82 facilitate the alignment and joining of CFMedge 76 or 78 and at least a portion of corner member 16. In analternate embodiment of corner frame member 14, each CFM edge 76 and 78includes only one of either CFM alignment element 80 or CFM joiningelement 82 which, singularly, serves the dual purpose of both aligningand joining corner frame member 14 and at least a portion of cornermember 16. While each CFM alignment element 80 and CFM joining element82 is illustrated as a cylindrical hole with a circular cross-section,alternate forms, shapes, cross-sections, etc., are considered as fallingwithin the metes and bounds of the instant invention. For instance, thecross-section of CFM alignment element 80 and/or CFM joining element 82can be square, rectangular, elliptical, etc.

Alternately, CFM alignment element 80 can be a protrusion extending froma surface of CFM edge 76 and/or 78 and configured for engagement in amating receiver in corner member 16 (or vice versa, with the cornermember 16 having the protrusion and the CFM edge 76 and/or 78 having themating receiver). In an embodiment of corner frame member 14, CFMalignment and joining elements 80 and 82 are hollow cylinders, eachextending between CFM edges 76 and 78. In an alternate embodiment, CFMalignment and joining elements 80 and 82 each extend a short distancefrom each CFM edge 76 and 78. All alternate embodiments of CFM alignmentand joining elements 80 and 82 are considered as falling within thespirit, scope and intent of the instant invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an embodiment of corner member16, and FIG. 4C is an end view thereof. As illustrated, each cornermember 16 includes first and second panels 102 and 104, respectively. Inan embodiment of corner member 16, first panel 102 includes interior andexterior surfaces 106 and 108, respectively, and is bounded by corneredge 110, opposed free edge (FE) 112 opposite corner edge 110, interiorpanel edge (IPE) 114 and exterior panel edge 116 opposite interior paneledge 114. Near exterior surface 108, first panel 102 includes FE lip 118extending from free edge 112 and generally parallel with exteriorsurface 108. Similarly, near exterior surface 108, first panel 102includes IPE lip 120 extending from interior panel edge 114 andgenerally parallel with exterior surface 108.

As shown, free edge 112 includes at least one first FE alignment element122 and at least one FE joining element 124. In an embodiment of cornermember 16, first FE alignment element 122 and FE joining element 124 arerespectively substantially similar to, and align with, first PFMalignment element 60 and PFM joining element 62 when PFM edge 56 or 58is placed in FE lip 118. Accordingly, first FE alignment element 122 andFE joining element 124 and first PFM alignment element 60 and PFMjoining element 62 facilitate the alignment and joining of corner member16 and peripheral frame member 12 at free edge 112 and PFM edge 56 or58. In an alternate embodiment of corner member 16, free edge 112includes only one of either first FE alignment element 122 or FE joiningelement 124 which, singularly, serves the dual purpose of both aligningand joining corner member 16 and peripheral frame member 12 at free edge112 and PFM edge 56 or 58. In another embodiment of corner member 16,first FE alignment element 122 and/or FE joining element 124 areconfigured for receiving and/or engaging first PFM alignment element 60protruding from a surface of PFM edge 56 and/or 58. In yet anotherembodiment of corner member 16, FE joining element 124 extends throughsecond panel 104. While each first FE alignment element 122 and FEjoining element 124 is illustrated as a cylindrical hole with a circularcross-section, alternate forms, shapes, cross-sections, etc., areconsidered as falling within the metes and bounds of the instantinvention. In some embodiments of corner member 16, first FE alignmentelement 122 and FE joining element 124 are substantially similar to oneanother. In other embodiments of corner member 16, first FE alignmentelement 122 differs from FE joining element 124.

In the embodiment of corner member 16 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, secondpanel 104 is substantially similar to first panel 102. Accordingly,second panel 104 includes interior and exterior surfaces 126 and 128,respectively, and is bounded by corner edge 130, opposed free edge 132opposite corner edge 130, interior panel edge 134 and exterior paneledge 136 opposite interior panel edge 134. Near exterior surface 128,second panel 104 includes FE lip 138 extending from free edge 132 andgenerally parallel with exterior surface 128. Similarly, near exteriorsurface 128, second panel 104 includes IPE lip 140 extending frominterior panel edge 134 and generally parallel with exterior surface128.

As shown, free edge 132 includes at least one first FE alignment element142 and at least one FE joining element 144. In an embodiment of cornermember 16, first FE alignment element 142 and FE joining element 144 arerespectively substantially similar to, and align with, first PFMalignment element 60 and PFM joining element 62 when PFM edge 56 or 58is placed in FE lip 138. Accordingly, first FE alignment element 142 andFE joining element 144 and first PFM alignment element 60 and PFMjoining element 62 facilitate the alignment and joining of corner member16 and peripheral frame member 12 at free edge 132 and PFM edge 56 or58. In an alternate embodiment of corner member 16, free edge 132includes only one of either first FE alignment element 142 or FE joiningelement 144 which, singularly, serves the dual purpose of both aligningand joining corner member 16 and peripheral frame member 12 at free edge132 and PFM edge 56 or 58. In another embodiment of corner member 16,first FE alignment element 142 and/or FE joining element 144 areconfigured for receiving and/or engaging first PFM alignment element 60protruding from a surface of PFM edge 56 and/or 58. In yet anotherembodiment of corner member 16, FE joining element 144 extends throughfirst panel 102. While each first FE alignment element 142 and FEjoining element 144 is illustrated as a cylindrical hole with a circularcross-section, alternate forms, shapes, cross-sections, etc., areconsidered as falling within the metes and bounds of the instantinvention. In some embodiments of corner member 16, first FE alignmentelement 142 and FE joining element 144 are substantially similar to oneanother. In other embodiments of corner member 16, first FE alignmentelement 142 differs from FE joining element 144.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, interior panel edge 114 and 134 arecontiguous and, as such, form interior edge (IE) 146 of corner member16. Similarly, IPE lips 120 and 140 are also contiguous and form IE lip148. Interior edge 146 includes IE alignment element 150 and IE joiningelement 152. In an embodiment of corner member 16, IE alignment andjoining elements 150 and 152 are respectively substantially similar to,and align with, CFM alignment and joining elements 80 and 82 when CFMedge 76 or 78 is placed in IE lip 148. Accordingly, IE alignment andjoining elements 150 and 152 and CFM alignment and joining elements 80and 82 facilitate the alignment and joining of corner member 16 andcorner frame member 14 at free edge 112 and CFM edge 76 or 78. In someembodiments of corner member 16, IE alignment element 150 and IE joiningelement 152 are substantially similar to one another. In otherembodiments of corner member 16, IE alignment element 150 differs fromIE joining element 152.

In an embodiment of enclosure 10, first and second panels 102 and 104 ofcorner member 16 further include ribs to inhibit liquids, for examplewater, from entering enclosure 10. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, firstpanel 102 includes FE rib 154 extending from free edge 112 generallyparallel with exterior surface 108, and between interior surface 106 andexterior surface 108. Similarly, second panel 104 includes FE rib 156extending from free edge 132 generally parallel with exterior surface128, and between interior surface 126 and exterior surface 128.Additionally, interior edge 146 of each corner member 16 includes IE rib158 extending from interior edge 146 generally parallel with exteriorsurfaces 108 and 128, and between interior surfaces 106 and 126 andexterior surfaces 108 and 128.

In an embodiment of corner member 16, each free edge 112 and 132 alsoinclude at least one second FE alignment element 160 and 162 to furtherfacilitate the alignment of corner member 16 and peripheral frame member12. Each second FE alignment member 160 and 162 can be a hole or ahollow cylinder extending into corner member 16. Alternately, eachsecond FE alignment element 160 and 162 can be a protrusion extendingaway from free edge 112 and 132, and configured for engagement in amating receiver in peripheral frame member 12. All alternate embodimentsof second FE alignment elements 160 and 162 are considered as fallingwithin the spirit, scope and intent of the instant invention.

In an embodiment of corner member 16, exterior surface 108 of each firstpanel 102 includes outer nesting structure 164, and exterior surface 128of each second panel 104 includes inner nesting structure 166. Outer andinner nesting structures 164 and 166 are sized and arranged such thatwhen one enclosure 10 a is stacked upon another enclosure 10 b, twoinner nesting structures 166 of upper enclosure 10 a nest in two outernesting structures 164 of lower enclosure 10 b, and two inner nestingstructures 166 of lower enclosure 10 b nest in two outer nestingstructures 164 of upper enclosure 10 a. In an embodiment of enclosure10, a first set of diagonally opposing corner members 16 on a first sideof enclosure 10 each have outer nesting structures 164 and the secondset of diagonally opposing corner members 16 on the first side ofenclosure 10 each have inner nesting structures 166. One sucharrangement is illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a partial detailed perspective view of an unassembledenclosure 10 showing the various components thereof and theirrelationships with respect to each other, and FIG. 6 is a detailedpartial view of the corner in circle “A” of FIG. 5. As illustrated, eachprimary surface sheet 18 includes four PSS edges 182 wherein each PSSedge 182 is configured for being received in first PFM channel 52 ofperipheral frame member 12. As such, each primary surface sheet 18 canbe joined to four peripheral frame members 12 to form a side ofenclosure 10 with the four PSS edges 182 of each primary surface sheet18 engaged in first PFM channels 52 of the corresponding four peripheralframe members 12. Also as shown, each secondary surface sheet 20includes two SSS peripheral edges 202 and two SSS corner edges 204. EachSSS peripheral edge 202 is configured for being received in second PFMchannel 54 of peripheral frame member 12, and each SSS corner edge 204is configured for being received in CFM channels 72 and 74 of cornerframe member 14. As such, each secondary surface sheet 20 can be joinedto two peripheral frame members 12 and two corner frame members 14 toform another side of enclosure 10 with the two SSS peripheral edges 202engaged in second PFM channels 54 of the corresponding two peripheralframe members 12 and the two SSS corner edges 204 engaged in one of CFMchannels 72 or 74 of the corresponding two corner frame members 14.

Modifications can be made to the primary surface sheets 18 and/or thesecondary surface sheets 20 based on the intended functionality of theenclosure 10. As noted, one or more of the sheets can include electricalcomponents. In some embodiments, a video screen can be included in oneor more of the sheets. In some embodiments, the video screen can beinserted directly into the respective channels, thereby eliminating aneed for the corresponding sheet(s). Many variations are possible,depending on the intended functionality of the enclosure.

In an embodiment of enclosure 10, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6, each corner member 16 is joined with two peripheral frame members12 at respective peripheral junctions (PJ) 222 and with one corner framemember 14 at corner junction (CJ) 224. At each peripheral junction 222,PFM alignment pins 226 align the two first FE alignment elements 122 and142 of each corner member 16 with first PFM alignment elements 60 ineach of the corresponding peripheral frame member 12, and the two FEjoining elements 124 and 144 are joined with PFM joining elements 62 ineach of the corresponding peripheral frame member 12. When so joined,the two FE lips 118 and 138 of each corner member 16 will cover therespective peripheral junction 222 and inhibit liquids, for examplewater, from accessing the respective peripheral junction 222. At eachcorner junction 224, CFM alignment pins 228 align IE alignment element150 of each corner member 16 with CFM alignment element 80 of thecorresponding corner frame member 14, and IE joining element 152 of eachcorner member 16 is joined with CFM joining element 82 of thecorresponding corner frame member 14. When so joined, IPE lips 120 and140 of each corner member 16 will cover corner junction 224 and inhibitliquids, for example water, from accessing corner junction 224. Tofurther inhibit liquids from accessing peripheral junction 222 andcorner junction 224, an embodiment of enclosure 10 also includes sixteenPJ gaskets 230 and eight CJ gaskets 232. Each peripheral junction 222includes one PJ gasket 230 positioned between the corresponding cornermember 16 and peripheral frame member 12 such that FE ribs 154 and 156press against PJ gasket 230. Similarly, each corner junction 224includes one CJ gasket 232 positioned between the corresponding cornermember 16 and corner frame member 14 such that IE rib 158 pressesagainst CJ gasket 232. Some embodiments can include an FE rib and/or anIE rib without corresponding gaskets, meaning that the FE ribs pressdirectly against PFM edges, and the IE ribs press directly against a CFMedge. Such embodiments can further inhibit liquid from entering theenclosure because of the compressibility of the ribs.

Inhibiting liquids from accessing the respective junctions can havesignificant importance in some preferred embodiments. Portable powerdistribution boxes (and other types of boxes) are often used outside andare expected to perform in a variety of weather conditions. The interiorof portable power distribution boxes often house equipment that can bedamaged if exposed to liquids. Thus, in such situations, it is prudentto take steps to inhibit liquid from entering the interior of the box—tomake the box “rainproof.” In most boxes, the junctions (seams betweentwo components) are most susceptible to penetrating liquid. Accordingly,preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to inhibit water fromaccessing such junctions. The preferred structure for doing so involveslips on the corner members, as illustrated in the figures. But it shouldbe understood that other structural configurations for inhibitingliquids from accessing the junctions are also within the scope of thepresent disclosure. For example, the peripheral frame members and/or thecorner frame members can have lips that cover the respective junctions,a separate insert can be provided to cover the junctions, the gasket canhave an exterior flange for covering the junction, and so on. In someembodiments, the enclosures can be liquid-tight enough to hold liquid inthe inside of the enclosure.

As previously described in reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, and also asillustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments of peripheral frame member12, first PFM alignment element 60 and PFM joining element 62, beingfunctionally interchangeable, are used as such. For the purposes ofdescribing an embodiment of enclosure 10, each PFM joining element 62extending through peripheral frame member 12 between PFM edges 56 and 58is referenced herein after as PFM passage 62. One such embodiment ofperipheral frame member 12 is illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein PFM passage(or PFM joining element) 62 extends through peripheral frame member 12 aat a location between first and second PFM alignment elements 60 and 64,respectively, and wherein PFM passage (or PFM joining element) 62extends through peripheral frame member 12 b at a location on PFM edge58 away from both first and second PFM alignment elements 60 and 64,respectively, and adjacent second PFM channel 54. As will be apparent,in order to enable interchangeable use of first PFM alignment element 60and PFM joining element 62, first PFM alignment element 60 must alsoextend through peripheral frame member 12 between PFM edges 56 and 58,and is referenced herein after as first PFM alignment passage 60. Insome embodiments of enclosure 10, second PFM alignment element 64extends through peripheral frame member 12 between PFM edges 56 and 58,and is referenced herein after as second PFM alignment passage 64.

Also as previously described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, and also asillustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments of corner member 16, FEjoining element 124 extends through second panel 104, and FE joiningelement 124 extends through first panel 102. As such, FE joiningelements 124 and 144 have a staggered relationship with respect to oneanother.

As shown in FIG. 6, corner member 16 is joined to peripheral framemember 12 a using one PFM alignment pin 226 to align first PFM alignmentelement 60 with first FE alignment element 142 and using another PFMalignment pin 226 to align second PFM alignment element 64 with secondFE alignment element 158. Additionally, PFM rod 234 extends through PFMpassage 62. Each PFM fastener 236 extending through each FE joiningelement 144 in each corner member 16 at each PFM edge 56 and 58 ofperipheral frame member 12 a attaches to each end of PFM rod 234 forjoining both FE joining elements 144 (and both corner members 16) withPFM joining element (or PFM passage) 62 at each PFM edge 56 and 58 ofperipheral frame member 12 a.

In some embodiments of enclosure 10, PFM alignment pin 226 is PFMalignment rod 226 extending through one or both first and second PFMalignment passages 60 and 64. Accordingly, a length of PFM alignment rod226 is somewhat greater than the distance between PFM edges 56 and 58such that at least a portion of PFM alignment rod 226 extends through asurface of each PFM edge 56 and 58. As will be apparent, each PFMalignment rod 226 functionally operates in substantially the same manneras each PFM alignment pin 226. As will be also apparent, PFM alignmentrods 226 enhance the structural integrity of enclosure 10.

Corner member 16 is joined to peripheral frame member 12 b insubstantially the same manner noting that first PFM alignment element 60and PFM passage (or PFM joining element) 62, being functionallyinterchangeable, are used as such because of the staggered relationshipbetween FE joining elements 124 and 144. Each PFM fastener 236 extendingthrough each FE joining element 124 in each corner member 12 at each PFMedge 56 and 58 of peripheral frame member 12 b attaches to each end ofPFM rod 234 for joining both FE joining elements 124 (and both cornermembers 16) with PFM joining element (or PFM passage) 62 at each PFMedge 56 and 58 of peripheral frame member 12 b.

For aesthetic and/or other reasons, such as for preventing accumulationof dirt, debris, etc., the exposed heads of PFM fastener 236 are coveredor hidden by placing one or more plugs or the like in the openings forFE joining elements 124 and 144, respectively, in exterior surfaces 128and 108 of the corresponding second and first panels 104 and 102 ofcorner member 12.

In some embodiments of enclosure 10, CFM joining element 82 extendsthrough corner frame member 14 between CFM edges 76 and 78, and isreferenced hereafter as CFM passage 82. As previously described, CFMalignment element (or CFM alignment element) 80 aligns with IE alignmentelement 150 in corner member 16, and CFM passage (or CFM joiningelement) 82 aligns with IE joining element 152 in corner member 16. CFMrod 238 extends through CFM passage 82, and each CFM fastener 240extends through each IE joining element 152 in each corner member 16 ateach CFM edge 76 and 78 and attaches to each end of CFM rod 238 forjoining both IE joining elements 152 (and both corner members 16) withCFM joining element (or CFM passage) 62 at each CFM edge 76 and 78 ofcorner frame member 14. The structural integrity of enclosure 10 can beparticularly enhanced when each corner member 16 is joined with eachcorresponding peripheral frame members 12 and each corresponding cornerframe member 14 by means of PFM rods 234 and CFM rods 238, respectively.The PFM rods 234, the CFM rods 238, and the corner members 16 form awireframe structure with enhanced structural integrity. Thisconfiguration can also permit greater tightening of the joiningelements, which can enhance the “rainproof” characteristics of manypreferred embodiments.

In some embodiments of enclosure 10, CFM alignment element 80 extendsthrough corner frame member 14 between CFM edges 76 and 78, and isreferenced hereafter as CFM alignment passage 80. In some suchembodiments of enclosure 10, CFM alignment pin 228 is CFM alignment rod228 extending through CFM alignment passage 80. Accordingly, a length ofCFM alignment rod 228 is somewhat greater than the distance between CFMedges 76 and 78 such that at least a portion of CFM alignment rod 228extends through a surface of each CFM edge 76 and 78. As will beapparent, each CFM alignment rod 228 functionally operates insubstantially the same manner as each CFM alignment pin 228. As will bealso apparent, CFM alignment rods 228 enhance the structural integrityof enclosure 10.

In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been describedwith reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciatedthat various modifications and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.Thus, some of the features of preferred embodiments described herein arenot necessarily included in preferred embodiments of the invention whichare intended for alternative uses.

What is claimed is:
 1. A corner member, comprising: first and secondpanels each including (a) an interior surface, (b) an exterior surface,(c) a corner edge, (d) an opposed free edge, and (e) an FE lip extendingfrom the free edge generally parallel with the exterior surface and nearthe exterior surface, wherein: the corner edges of the first and secondpanels meet to form a corner, each free edge comprises (i) a first FEalignment element configured to align the free edge with a PFM edge of aperipheral frame member and (ii) an FE joining element configured tojoin the free edge and the PFM edge at a peripheral junction, and eachFE lip is configured to cover the peripheral junction to inhibit liquidfrom accessing the peripheral junction.
 2. The corner member of claim 1,wherein, for each free edge, the first FE alignment element differs fromthe FE joining element.
 3. The corner member of claim 1, wherein eachpanel further includes (f) an FE rib extending from the free edgegenerally parallel with the exterior surface and between the interiorsurface and the exterior surface, each FE rib being configured tofurther inhibit liquid from accessing the peripheral junction.
 4. Thecorner member of claim 1, wherein each panel further includes (f) aninterior panel edge, (g) an exterior panel edge, and (h) an IPE lipextending from the interior panel edge generally parallel with theexterior surface and near the exterior surface, wherein: the interiorpanel edges of the first and second panels combine to form an interioredge that comprises (i) an IE alignment element configured to align theinterior edge with a CFM edge of a corner frame member and (ii) an IEjoining element configured to join the interior edge and the CFM edge atan corner junction, and the IE lips are configured to cover the cornerjunction to inhibit liquid from accessing the corner junction.
 5. Thecorner member of claim 4, wherein the IE alignment element differs fromthe IE joining element.
 6. The corner member of claim 4, wherein eachpanel further includes (i) an IE rib extending from the interior edgegenerally parallel with the exterior surface and between the interiorsurface and the exterior surface, each IE rib being configured tofurther inhibit liquid from accessing the corner junction.
 7. The cornermember of claim 6, wherein each panel further includes (j) an FE ribextending from the free edge generally parallel with the exteriorsurface and between the interior surface and the exterior surface, eachFE rib being configured to further inhibit liquid from accessing theperipheral junction.
 8. The corner member of claim 1, wherein, for eachfree edge, the first FE alignment element comprises an alignment pinreceptacle, and the FE joining element is a hole configured to receive arod that is at least partially threaded.
 9. The corner member of claim1, wherein the first panel's exterior surface includes an outer nestingstructure, and the second panel's exterior surface includes an innernesting structure, the inner and outer nesting structures being sizedsuch that the inner nesting structure of one corner member would nest inthe outer nesting structure of another corner member.
 10. The cornermember of claim 1, wherein each free edge further comprises a second FEalignment element configured to further align the free edge with the PFMedge of the peripheral frame member.
 11. An enclosure for the temporarydistribution of electrical power and/or data, the enclosure comprising:(a) eight peripheral frame members, each peripheral frame memberincluding (i) a first PFM channel, (ii) a second PFM channel, and (iii)two opposed PFM edges, each PFM edge including a first PFM alignmentelement and a PFM joining element; (b) four corner frame members, eachcorner frame member including (i) two CFM channels and (ii) two opposedCFM edges, each CFM edge including a CFM alignment element and a CFMjoining element; (c) eight corner members, each corner member including(i) first and second panels that comprise (A) an interior surface, (B)an exterior surface, (C) a corner edge, (D) an opposed free edge, eachfree edge including a first FE alignment element and an FE joiningelement, (E) an FE lip extending from the free edge generally parallelwith the exterior surface and near the exterior surface, (F) an interiorpanel edge, (G) an exterior panel edge, and (H) an IPE lip extendingfrom the interior panel edge generally parallel with the exteriorsurface and near the exterior surface, and (ii) an interior edge formedby the interior panel edges of the first and second panels, the interioredge comprising (A) an IE alignment element and (B) an IE joiningelement; (d) two primary surface sheets, each including four PSS edges;and (e) four secondary surface sheets, each including two SSS peripheraledges and two SSS corner edges; wherein each corner member is joinedwith (i) two peripheral frame members at respective peripheraljunctions, with (A) the two first FE alignment elements of each cornermember being aligned with the first PFM alignment elements of thecorresponding peripheral frame members, (B) the two FE joining elementsbeing joined with the PFM joining elements of the correspondingperipheral frame members, and (C) the two FE lips of each corner membercovering the respective peripheral junctions to inhibit water fromaccessing the respective peripheral junctions, and (ii) one corner framemember at a corner junction, with (A) the IE alignment element of eachcorner member being aligned with the CFM alignment element of thecorresponding corner frame member, (B) the IE joining element of eachcorner member being joined with the CFM joining element of thecorresponding corner frame member, and (C) the IPE lips of each cornermember covering the corner junction to inhibit water from accessing thecorner junction, wherein each primary surface sheet is joined with fourperipheral frame members, with the four PSS edges of each primarysurface sheet being in the first PFM channels of the corresponding fourperipheral frame members, and wherein each secondary surface sheet isjoined with two peripheral frame members and two corner frame members,with the two SSS peripheral edges being in the second PFM channels ofthe corresponding two peripheral frame members, and the two SSS corneredges each being in one of the CFM channels of the corresponding twocorner frame members.